David Baines to be new leader of St Helens Council

Kenny Lomas

David Baines will be the new leader of St Helens Council after winning a leadership contest.

Labour councillors took a secret ballot at its annual general meeting (AGM) on Tuesday evening, with Coun Baines securing the most votes.

Coun Baines fought off competition from West Park councillor Marlene Quinn, cabinet member for adult social care, to be named leader of the group.

Bold councillor John Wiseman and Newton councillor Jeanie Bell both pulled out of the race on the day of the vote.

The victory means Ciun Baines, who represents Windle, is now leader of St Helens Labour group and his position as leader of the council will be cemented later this month.

Coun Baines told the Local Democracy Reporting Service his appointment signals a “new beginning” for Labour in St Helens, after the party lost four seats in last week’s local elections.

“I am honoured to have been chosen by my colleagues to lead St Helens Labour group,” Coun Baines said.

“The local elections last week clearly showed that we have a big job ahead of us.

“However, tonight is a new beginning for Labour here in St Helens and while we still have tough decisions to make, and the challenges may remain the same, I believe that with the right approach this can be an exciting time for the borough.

“I will be appointing my cabinet in the coming days and we will be making more announcements in the weeks to come.

“I’m looking forward to getting on with the job.”

Coun Baines’ appointment as Labour leader comes following months of unrest within the ranks of the group, which have been underpinned by a series of leaks.

It had been widely expected that current leader Derek Long would be challenged at Labour’s AGM following a turbulent 12 months at the helm.